Evidence suggests that blue zones are the key to longevity with people living to almost 100 years old in these areas. Blue zones are regions of the world where people live much longer than average. Tracking how these people live could provide valuable information to seniors for healthy aging.
What Are Further Details on the Blue Zones?
If you want to live longer, it’s worth investigating Blue Zones, the areas in the world where individuals, thanks to their healthy habits, grow older than people anywhere else.
One of the first areas to earn attention for its unusually long-living and healthy inhabitants was the Italian island of Sardinia. Research from 2011 found that, on average, around one in 600 people in the mountainous Barbagia region of Sardinia live to the age of 100, in contrast to one in 4,000 in the United States.
The Sardinians, and people in other Blue Zones, have a lot to teach us about how to live a long life – if we’re willing to listen.
The 5 blue zones around the world are:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Ikaria, Greece
- Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California
Lifestyle Lessons Seniors Can Learn From Blue Zones
Exercise
People in blue zones move around a lot in their everyday lives. They get out everyday and move around a lot, such as gardening or other physical work.
Regular walking is beneficial for seniors in living longer, so find ways to keep moving naturally. Making little changes, such as biking to the store or taking the stairs can help.
2. Relax
Having stress all the time can lead to inflammation, which causes other health issues in the body. Each of the blue zones has a different way to ease off stress:
- Ikarians – Take afternoon naps
- Adventists – Pray
- Sardinians – Enjoy wine with friends
All of these methods may be different, but they all work in reducing stress levels. You can do this yourself by meditating, walking in nature, or having fun with friends.
3. Community
Families put a heavy emphasis on staying together. Aging relatives are able to stay with their loved ones and have close bonds. It’s been shown that people who have strong family relationships live longer and encounter less health problems.
Spending time with your loved ones is important – Go for walks with them and take the time to make memories with them.
What Do The Blue Zones Eat
Eating and drinking is a key part of any lifestyle – people in the Blue Zones share basic dietary habits that help keep them healthy well into old age
Four Foods They Always Eat
- 100% whole grains: bulgur, quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal
- Nuts: A handful a day
- Beans: A cup per day
- Fruits and vegetables: 5-10 servings a day
Four Foods They Always Avoid
- Sugar-sweetened beverages: Empty calories
- Salty snacks: Too much salt and preservatives
- Packaged sweets: Cookies and candies
- Processed meats: Linked to cancer and heart disease
Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas
Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.
